Pre-Owned The First Love Hardcover

Packed full of emotion and Biblical truth, this latest novel by Beverly Lewis explores young Maggie's struggle with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis as she comes of age. The First Love also reveals Maggie's family's struggle to accept their father's new wife, less than a year after their beloved Mamm dies. The reason I enjoyed the book was that it helped me see life from the perspective of people who have had a very different experience than myself. Lewis carefully brings out the details of a disease like Maggie's. Life is never predictable, health-wise, from day-to-day. Others may or may not understand the inability of one with RA to do tasks one day that they could do the day before. Bad health can make a romantic future uncertain. I learned to love Maggie and was especially glad when she takes a risk that changes her life. I also really enjoyed the wisdom of Aunt Nellie. I am fortunate to have a godly person in my life with that kind of wisdom. The camp meetings are an integral part of the narrative, yet I was torn, wondering if there was a way to get this most important message across without being preachy. It felt like the book was only a vehicle for the message at that point. On to more positive. Having survived my own kids' teenage years, I can identify just a pinch with Rachel who feels she is desperately trying to find her place in her stepchildren's lives, let alone hearts. What a tough journey she undertakes, so courageously! Quotables I loved: Aunt Nellie's goal: ”Her goal is to make one person smile every single day. "Definitely one of my goals. "God won't guide his footsteps unless he's willin' to move his feet.” God works best in those willing to obey. And lastly, a prayer for my adult children: "I pray you never disdain prayer. It's the simplest way you can serve our Lord, and suffering won't hold you from it...” I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own and no review was required.